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Explore This Park

Basic Information

Changing weather can make for some stunning photographs.

NPS / Jesmira Bonoan

Learn and Explore

Welcome to Joshua Tree!

Joshua Tree National Park is open year-round. There are few facilities within the park's 792,510 acres, making Joshua Tree a true desert wilderness just a few hours outside Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. About 1.4 million visitors come to the park each year to enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, photography, rock climbing, and simply enjoying the serene desert scenery. The busy season in Joshua Tree runs from October through May.

Learn more

From I-10, take exit 117 for CA Hwy 62 toward 29 Palms/Yucca Valley. This will allow you to access the West Entrance, the North Entrance, Black Rock, and Indian Cove.
Take exit 168 off I-10 to come in at the park's South Entrance.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is open 24 hours a day and may be visited at any time of the year. Visitation increases as temperatures moderate in the fall, peaks during the spring wildflower season, and diminishes during the heat of summer. Some areas of the park are designated for day use only. Visitor centers keep separate hours; please see descriptions.

Standard Hours

Days are typically clear with less than 25% humidity. Temperatures are most comfortable in the spring and fall, with an average highs around 85°F (29°C) and average lows around 50°F (10°C) respectively. Winter brings cooler days, around 60°F (15°C), and freezing nights. It occasionally snows at higher elevations. Summers are hot, over 100°F (38°C) during the day and not cooling much below 75°F (24°C) at night.

Entrance Fees:

7-day vehicle permit, admitting the passengers of a single, non-commercial vehicle on the day of purchase and for the next six days.

Motorcycle or Bicycle Entrance Fee - $12.00

7-day entrance permit, per motorcycle or bicycle.

Walk-in Entrance Fee - $12.00

7-day entrance fee, per person on foot.

Non-commercial Groups - Per Person - $12.00

Per-person fee charged to non-commercial groups entering in a vehicle with a capacity of 16 passengers or more.

Entrance Passes:

Joshua Tree National Park Annual Pass - $40.00

This pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. It covers the entrance fee to Joshua Tree National Park for the pass signee and accompanying passengers entering in a single, non-commercial vehicle. Joshua Tree Annual Passes are available at park entrance stations and visitor centers.

The first stop for park visitors headed towards the West Entrance. Located in the village of Joshua Tree on Park Blvd. just south of Hwy 62. Exhibits, bookstore, cafe, flush toilets onsite; public telephone and showers nearby.

Desert weather can change swiftly and dramatically. Knowing the forecast is an important part of preparing for your Joshua Tree visit. The National Weather Service forecast for Joshua Tree National Park is a good starting point. Note that this forecast zone covers a vast area with elevations ranging from 536 feet (163 m) in the park's extreme southeast corner to 5,814 feet (1,773 m) atop Quail Mountain. Conditions may vary greatly depending on your exact location within the park. Remember, your safety is your responsibility.

Curious about current conditions in the park? Take a look at the air quality webcam on Belle Mountain, where you will also find recent weather and ozone measurements taken at Black Rock.

Be Prepared

Though beautiful, the desert environment can be harsh and unforgiving. Preparedness is critical for your Safety.

There is no cell service throughout the park.

Always keep an ample supply of water with you while traveling through the park, whether driving or hiking. We recommend a minimum of one gallon of water per person, per day; hikers and cyclists should carry two gallons per person, per day.

Avoid strenuous activity during times of extreme heat.

Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.